avlxyzThis gluten-free bread looks super good, but probably cost more than $13.50.
There are 311 million people living in the United States right now. Which means that we are spending $13.50 a person per year on gluten-free food and drinks.
From the Los Angeles Times, which features an image of various gluten-free goods that I have never heard of:
The market for gluten-free foods and beverages is booming, with double digit growth over the last four years as more consumers find themselves diagnosed with celiac disease and food allergies.
The market for products without the gluten protein is valued at $4.2 billion, according to a report from Packaged Facts. Since 2008, it has grown at a compound annual rate of 28% each year and is expected to exceed $6.6 billion by 2017.
Gluten-free snacks and granola bars make up the largest chunk of the industry, contributing to 15% of sales, according to the report.
Please note: None of this is due to trendiness, despite this line: “Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus have credited their weight loss to gluten-free eating.” Miley Cyrus is making her decisions based on the best-available scientific evidence. Her father, William Ray Cyrus, is a noted researcher for the USDA, focused on heart health.
Anyway. If you’re looking to spend your $13.50 on gluten-free merchandise all in one shot, there are a lot of great options, I guess:
- Two things of doughnut holes
- 13 sour apple fruit roll-ups
- Two-and-a-half creamy bacon dressing packets
- Something called DariFree milk powder
- A package of, um, communion wafers
But your best bet, if you’re willing to throw in an extra nine cents: Living Gluten-free for Dummies. For an extra two bucks, I bet you could get one autographed by Miley.
